Extensible stanchion

ABSTRACT

A vertically extensible-contractible telescopic stanchion usable on a deck in a vessel such as a barge for holding a load. The stanchion includes a somewhat pyramidal base (for anchoring to a deck), and a pair of independently movable extension members mounted on the base. The base and extension members include generally upright planar load-support surfaces, all of which occupy a substantially common upright plane. Chains in the stanchion that are connected to the extension members are utilized to raise and lower these members, and also to lock them in different selected extended positions.

llnited States Patent 1191 Sause, .11.

11 3,828,710 1451 Aug. 13, 1974 EXTENSIBLE STANCHION [76] Inventor: Henry Sause, Jr., 3829 NE.

Flanders, Portland, Oreg. 97232 22 Filed: Aug. 18,1972

21 Appl. No.: 281,837

[52] US. Cl. 114/75, 105/389 [51] Int. Cl B63b 25/28 [58] Field of Search 114/75, 72; 248/407, 161, 248/352, 354 R; 52/121; 105/367, 369 B,

[56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 846,877 3/1907 Topliff 105/389 1,160,379 ll/l915 Conrad 105/389 1,231,843 7/1917 Brady 105/389 2,152,578 3/1939 West 280/143 3,494,301 2/1970 Sause 105/382 Primary Examiner-Trygve M. Blix Assistant Examiner-Sherman D. Basinger Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Kolisch, Hartwell & Dickinson [5 7] ABSTRACT A vertically extensible-contractible telescopic stanchion usable on a deck in a vessel such as a barge for holding a load. The stanchion includes a somewhat py- I ramidal base (for anchoring to a deck), and a pair of independently movable extension members mounted on the base. The base and extension members include generally upright planar load-support surfaces, all of which occupy a substantially common upright plane. Chains in the stanchion that are connected to the extension members are utilized to raise and lower these members, and also to lock them in different selected extended positions.

6 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PAIENIE MM; 1 31974 SHEET 1 0F 2 EXTENSIBLE STANCE-{ION BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a stanchion for aiding in securing a load on a surface such as the deck of a barge, or the like. More particularly, it relates to such a stanchion which is vertically extensible and contractible.

The usual stanchion in a barge is a device which projects upwardly from the deck therein to provide support for one side of a load, such as a stack of plywood. Such a stanchion further is utilized typically in anchoring the end of a chain employed to tie down a load.

Some loading facilities are provided with fork-lift trucks, whereas others are provided with cranes. When a forklift truck is used, it is necessary that a stanchion be relatively high. This is because such a truck typically moves a load up against the stanchion during a loading operation, with the stanchion functioning to index, so to speak, one side of the load. However, when a crane is utilized, the crane drops the load down onto the deck and there is no need for a stanchion to function as an indexing means. Furthermore, if a stanchion is too high, this interferes with swinging of the boom in the crane. Thus, when cranes are utilized, it is desirable to have stanchions of somewhat lesser height than when fork-lift trucks are employed.

A general object of the present invention is to provide a novel vertically extensible-contractible stanchion suitable for use in either of the above-outlined loading procedures.

More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide such a stanchion whose overall height can be adjusted selectively to a plurality of different heights to accommodate different loading situations.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a vertically extensible stanchion, of the type generally outlined, wherein the sides of those parts therein which define a load-support surface for a side of a load occupy a substantially common upright plane, regardless of the extended or contracted condition of the stanchion.

A further object of the invention is to provide a telescoping stanchion construction wherein chains are utilized as the means for independently raising and lowering, and locking position, the extension members included therein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other objects and advantages attained by the invention will become more fully apparent as the description which follows is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. I is a simplified, perspective view illustrating an end portion of a barge employing stanchions constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevation of one of the stanchions in the barge of FIG. 1, with the stanchion shown in a fully contracted condition;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation of the stanchion of FIG. 2, taken generally along the line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are views on still a larger scale taken generally along the lines 44 and 5-5 respectively, in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a simplified rear perspective view of the stanchion of FIGS. 25, with the stanchion illustrated with an intermediate extension member therein fully extended; and

FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 6, except that the stanchion is illustrated here with both the intermediate extension member and an inner extension member therein fully extended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Turning now to the drawings, and referring first to FIG. 1, indicated generally at 10 is one end of a barge, on the top deck 12 of which are mounted a plurality of upright, vertically extensible-contractible stanchions 14 constructed in accordance with the present invention. These stanchions are disposed generally in two rows, along opposite sides of the deck, with each stanchion in a row confronting a stanchion in the other row along a line extending transversely of the barges longitudinal axis.

Stanchions 14 in FIG. 1 are shown with intermediate extension members therein partially extended, and with elongated chains 16 extending between the upper extremities of the confronting stanchions. Stanchions 14 and chains 16 in barge 10 cooperate in securing a load of plywood stacks, such as the stacks shown at 18, on deck 12.

Considering details of construction of a stanchion, these are best illustratedin FIGS. 25, inclusive. Each stanchion 14 includes a base 18 and a pair of extension members 20, 22-extension member 20 being nested within the base, and extension member 22 being nested within member 20. Base 18 is generally pyramidal in configuration, having a substantially vertically disposed front wall 18a, sloping side walls 18b, 18c, and a sloping rear wall 18a. Also included in the base in an upright intermediate wall 18c, which is spaced from and substantially parallel to front wall 18a. The outwardly exposed face of front wall 18a constitutes a load-engaging surface herein. Joining the tops of side walls 18b, 180, of rear wall 18d, and of intermediate wall l8e, as can be seen in FIG. 4, is a top plate 24 in the base. This top plate, which extends forwardly just to wall l8e, carries a rectangular recessed well 26 (see FIG. 4) whose purpose will be described shortly.

Provided in side walls 18b, 18c are flanged generally rectangular openings 28 that afford access to the interior of the base. Mounted on side wall 18b, immediately above opening 28, are rungs 30 which enable easy climbing onto the top of the base. Base 18 might typically have a height of around 6 to 8 feet.

As can be seen clearly in FIGS. 4 and 5, extension members 20, 22 take the form of channels, with the channel forming member 22 being somewhat smaller than that forming member 20. Extension member, or channel, 20 is disposed upright within base 18, with its longitudinal axis substantially vertical, and with its grooved side facing the rear wall in the base. The front face 20a in channel 20 is disposed against the inside face of the front wall of the base. Face 20a also constitutes a load-engaging surface herein. Channel 20 is slidably mounted within the base, and is laterally confined between front wall 18a intermediate wall 186, an elongated upright angle iron 32, and an elongated upright guide channel 34. Angle iron 32 is suitably fastened to the inside face of front wall 1811. Channel 34 is suitably fastened to intermediate wall 181:.

Extension member, or channel, 22 is slidably mounted within channel 20. Channel 22 is also disposed with its longitudinal axis upright, and with its grooved side facing toward the rear wall in base 18. The front face 22a in channel 22 is substantially vertical. and engages the inside face of the front web in channel 20. Face 22a also constitutes a load-engaging surface herein. Channel 22 is laterally restrained within channel by means of the front and a side web in channel 20, and further by means of an elongated upright plate 36, and an elongated upright guide channel 38, which are both suitably mounted on channel 20.

It will be observed that with the nested construction just described in a stanchion, the load-engaging surfaces of the base and of the extension members all occupy a substantially common upright plane.

According to the invention, means is provided for each of the extension members for raising and lowering it, and for locking it in a plurality of different selected extended positions. The means provided for thus manipulating channel 20 herein comprises an elongated chain 40. The lower end of chain 40 is suitably fastened to a bracket 42 which is anchored adjacent the lower end of channel 20. As can be seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, bracket 42 projects laterally outwardly from channel 20. The upper end of chain 40 extends through a keyhole-shaped opening 44 formed in a plate 46 which is joined to the upper end of guide channel 34. Plate 46 and opening 44 constitute a catch herein.

Similar means is provided for raising and lowering channel 22, such means including an elongated chain 48 and a plate 50 including a keyhole-shaped opening 52. The lower end of chain 48 is fastened to a bracket 54 which is suitably joined to the outside of the lower end of channel 22. The upper end of chain 48 extends through opening 52.

The upper end portions of chains 40, 48 may conveniently be stored in well 26.

When it is desired to shift the position of channel 20 with respect to base 18, chain 40 is maneuvered into the circular portion of opening 44, and is then raised or lowered to shift the channel. When channel 20 has been moved the desired amount, the chain is shifted into the rectangular portion of opening 44, whereupon channel 20 becomes locked in a particular extended position with respect to the base. Such a situation is illustrated both in FIGS. 1 and 6 in the drawings where channel 20 is shown in two different extended conditions. Channel 20, of course, carries channel 22 along with it.

When it is desired to adjust the extended position of channel 22 relative to channel 20, chain 48 is maneuvered into the circular portion of opening 52, and is then raised or lowered as desired to shift channel 22. The chain may then be inserted in the rectangular portion of opening 52 to lock channel 22 in a selected extended position relative to channel 20. The situation of channel 22 being extended from channel 20 (and more specifically, fully extended) is illustrated clearly in FIG. 7.

It will thus be apparent that the extension members in a stanchion as contemplated herein may be raised or lowered relatively simply, and can be locked in a plurality of different selected extended positions. With the various load-engaging surfaces in the base and extension members in a stanchion occupying a substantially common upright plane, the stanchion perofrms well in supporting the side of a load, regardless of the extended or contracted condition of the stanchion.

Suitable conventional means may, of course be provided adjacent the upper end of any one or more of the base or extension members in a stanchion to accommodate tiedown chains, such as chains 16 shown in FIG. 1.

A stanchion is thus provided which is readily usable in the conventional types of loading operations described earlier herein. In other words, when crane loading is contemplated, and a relatively low stanchion is desired, a stanchion constructed according to the invention can easily be contracted. When forklift truck loading is envisioned, the stanchion can be extended to the desired height, with the load-engaging surfaces of the base and extension members then defining suitable lateral guides for indexing the sides of loads into proper position.

The pyramidal shape of the base in the stanchion enables secure mounting of the stanchion on a platform such as the deck in a vessel.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described herein, it is appreciated that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spiirt of the invention.

It is claimed and desired to secure by Letters Patent:

1. A vertically extensible-contractible stanchion in operative condition comprising an elongated upright base,

an elongated extension member mounted for generally vertical reciprocal movement on said base and inhibited from rotating about its own longitudinal axis relative to the base,

said base and said extension member each including a generally planar, substantially vertically disposed load-engaging surface, with said load-engaging surfaces under all extended and contracted conditions of the stanchion occupying a substantially common vertical plane, and

means for raising and lowering said extension member, and for locking the same in a plurality of different selected extended positions on said base, said means comprising an elongated movable chain joined to said extension member at a lower portion thereof and movable along with the extension member, and a catch joined to said base for releasably catching said chain, said catch being disposed at an elevation located above the point of joinder of said chain with said extension member.

2. The stanchion of claim 1, which is for use on top of a deck in a ship, and wherein said base is generally pyramidal in configuration, having a cross-sectional area which diminishes progressing upwardly along the base.

3. The stanchion of claim 1, wherein said catch comprises means defining a generally keyhole-shaped opening which receives said chain.

4. A vertically extensible-contractible stanchion in operative condition comprising an elongated upright base,

a first elongated extension member mounted for generally vertically reciprocal movement on said base I and inhibited from rotating about its own longitudinal axis,

a second elongated extension member mounted for generally vertical reciprocal movement on said first extension member and inhibited from rotating about its own longitudinal axis relative to said first extension member,

said base and said extension members each including a generally planar, substantially vertically disposed load-engaging surface, with said load-engaging surfaces all extended and contracted conditions of the stanchion occupying a substantially common vertical plane, and

means for independently raising and lowering said extension members, and for locking each member selectively in a plurality of different extended positions, said means comprising a movable chain for each extension member joined thereto at a lower portion of the member and movable along with the member, a catch on said base for releasably catching the chain joined to said first extension member with said catch disposed above the point of joinder between the chain and the first extension member and a catch on said firt extension member for releasably catching the chain joined to said second extension member with said second-mentioned catch being disposed above the point of joinder of the second-mentioned chain and said second extension member.

5. The stanchion of claim 4, wherein said first extension member is nested within said base, and said second extension member is nested within said first extension member.

6. In a ship including a deck, a vertically extensiblecontractible stanchion comprising a generally pyramidal upright base anchored to the top of said deck, said base having a cross-sectional area which diminishes progressing upwardly therealong at least one elongated extension member mounted for vertical reciprocal movement relative to said base and inhibited from rotating about its own longitudinal axis relative to the base,

said base and said extension member each including a generally planar, substantially vertically disposed load-engaging surface, with said load-engaging surfaces under all extended and contracted conditions of the stanchion occupying a substantially common vertical plane, and

means for raising and lowering said extension member, and for locking the same in a plurality of different selected extended positions relative to said base, said means comprising an elongated movable chain joined to said extension member at a lower portion thereof and movable along with the member, and a catch for releasably catching said chain, said catch being disposed at an elevation located above the point of joinder of said chain with said extension member. 

1. A vertically extensible-contractible stanchion in operative condition comprising an elongated upright base, an elongated extension member mounted for generally vertical reciprocal movement on said base and inhibited from rotating about its own longitudinal axis relative to the base, said base and said extension member each including a generally planar, substantially vertically disposed load-engaging surface, with said load-engaging surfaces under all extended and contracted conditions of the stanchion occupying a substantially common vertical plane, and means for raising and lowering said extension member, and for locking the same in a plurality of different selected extended positions on said base, said means comprising an elongated movable chain joined to said extension member at a lower portion thereof and movable along with the extension member, and a catch joined to said base for releasably catching said chain, said catch being disposed at an elevation located above the point of joinder of said chain with said extension member.
 2. The stanchion of claim 1, which is for use on top of a deck in a ship, and wherein said base is generally pyramidal in configuration, having a cross-sectional area which diminishes progressing upwardly along the base.
 3. The stanchion of claim 1, wherein said catch comprises means defining a generally keyhole-shaped opening which receives said chain.
 4. A vertically extensible-contractible stanchion in operative condition comprising an elongated upright base, a first elongated extension member mounted for generally vertically reciprocal movement on said base and inhibited from rotating about its own longitudinal axis, a second elongated extension member mounted for generally vertical reciprocal movement on said first extension member and inhibited from rotating about its own longitudinal axis relative to said first extension member, said base and said extension members each including a generally planar, substantially vertically disposed load-engaging surface, with said load-engaging surfaces all extended and contracted conditions of the stanchion occupying a substantially common vertical plane, and means for independently raising and lowering said extension members, and for locking each member selectively in a plurality of different extended positions, said means comprising a movable chain for each extension member joined thereto at a lower portion of the member and movable along with the member, a catch on said base for releasably catching the chain joined to said first extension member with said catch disposed above the point of joinder between the chain and the first extension member and a catch on said firt extension member for releasably catching the chain joined to said second extension member with said second-mentioned catch being disposed above the point of joinder of the second-mentioned chain and said second extension member.
 5. The stanchion of claim 4, wherein said first extension member is nested within said base, and said second extension member is nested within said first extension member.
 6. In a ship including a deck, a vertically extensible-contractible stanchion comprising a generally pyramidal upright base anchored to the top of said deck, said base having a cross-sectional area which diminishes progressing upwardly therealong at least one elongated extension member mounted for vertical reciprocal movement relative to said base and inhibited from rotating about its own longitudinal axis relative to the base, said base and said extension member each including a generally planar, substantially vertically disposed load-engaging surface, with said load-engaging surfaces under all extended and contracted conditions of the stanchion occupying a substantially common vertical plane, and means for raising and lowering said extension member, and for locking the same in a plurality of different selected extended positions relative to said base, said means comprising an elongated movable chain joined to said extension member at a lower portion thereof and movable along with the member, and a catch for releasably catching said chain, said catch being disposed at an elevation located above the point of joinder of said chain with said extension member. 